Formula One commentator Martin Brundle heaps praise on Max Verstappen

Leading Formula One commentator Martin Brundle has delivered the ultimate compliment to Red Bull driver Max Verstappen, comparing him to former world champions Michael Schumacher and Mika Hakkinen.

Brundle, a teammate of both Schumacher and Hakkinen during the early 1990s, says Verstappen’s domination of Red Bull stablemate Pierre Gasly reminds him of his own career.

Gasly has struggled since replacing Daniel Ricciardo at the start of the season, and hasn’t finished in front of the Dutchman in any of the eight races so far. Speculation has already begun over his potential replacement for 2020, with Renault’s Nico Hulkenberg one name mentioned.

Red Bull star Max Verstappen. (AAP)

Red Bull has fallen off the pace in 2019, clearly behind both Mercedes and Ferrari, and unable to challenge for victory even at circuits where they are traditionally strong, such as Monaco.

Writing for Sky Sports, Brundle says Red Bull’s decline in competitiveness means the team is fighting two fires: trying to keep Verstappen, touted by many as a future world champion, happy, and getting Gasly up to speed.

“They are tantalisingly close to the pace but not close enough to add to our entertainment much,” Brundle wrote.

“At some point, Verstappen is going to lose patience, but probably not before Red Bull lose theirs with an underperforming Pierre Gasly in the other car.

“I've been in Pierre's position up against Schumacher and Hakkinen as team-mates.

“It's confidence-sapping and nothing seems to fall your way either, creating a spiral of lost confidence. I used to hit rock bottom and rebound nicely 'with nothing to lose' and so must he.”

Schumacher, winner of a record seven world titles, and Hakkinen, world champion in both 1998 and 1999, were renowned for the way they dominated their team-mates.

Gasly will be under extra pressure this weekend at the Austrian Grand Prix, the home race of Red Bull where all eyes will be on the team.

Max Verstappen has been frustrated by Red Bull's pace. (AAP)

Additionally, with Verstappen having won the race in 2018, the Red Bull’s will be expected to be closer to the front-running Mercedes at the A1-Ring.

Verstappen’s form so far this season hasn’t made it any easier for Gasly to find his feet at Red Bull, with former champion Nico Rosberg suggesting Verstappen hasn’t put a foot wrong in 2019.

“The Max Verstappen season is perfect,” Rosberg said.

“After Lewis (Hamilton), he is the best driver on the current grid. He gets the maximum out of the car and grabs the maximum number of points that can be achieved with the RB15."